Help! How Do I Keep My Cat’s Eyes Clean? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“My 11-year-old rescue cat is an orange female. We’ve shared a home for the past 7 years. For the past year, I have noticed that Harmony is no longer keeping the inside corners of her eyes clean. When I see those dried blackish scab-like things in the corners of her eyes, I try to remove them with my fingernail and a wet washcloth. I’m afraid that if I don’t remove them, they will fall into her eyes, but I am also concerned that I might scratch her. What is causing the eye dirt, and what is the best way to help her keep her eyes clean?“- Donna
Quick Info about Harmony
Hello Donna,
Harmony sounds like such a special companion, and it is completely understandable to worry when you notice changes around her eyes. The dark, dried material you are seeing is usually a mix of tears and surface debris that oxidizes as it dries. As some cats age, they may groom this area a bit less, and small shifts in the tear film can allow discharge to accumulate. While this can be a normal age-related change, it is still important to watch for redness, persistent moisture, or increased blinking because these signs can indicate irritation or another underlying issue.
To keep Harmony comfortable, a gentle cleaning routine is much safer than trying to lift the debris with your fingernail. Using a sterile, preservative-free saline solution made for the eyes, moisten a soft cotton pad and rest it on the inner corner for a few seconds to soften the material. This makes it easy to wipe away without causing friction. If the buildup becomes more frequent or you begin noticing changes in her tearing or comfort, these are changes that should be reported to her veterinarian. For now, regular cleaning with saline is a kind and effective way to protect her sensitive eye tissues. I hope this helps!
Best,
– Dr. Paola